by Mona
Malachi looked surprise for close to a second but immediately smiled, although it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Arianna is pregnant?”
“Yeah, man,” Andre smiled. He felt overwhelmed with happiness. Despite some of his dirt he was harboring while in a relationship with Arianna, he could honestly say there was no feeling more exuberating than having a baby with the girl you love. He really loved Arianna and was very much in love with her. Despite his indiscretions, she had his heart. He just didn’t know how to fully love her the right way. He loved her, protected her, never verbally disrespected her, provided anything she needed or asked for, but he didn’t quite grasp the art of being faithful yet.
“I didn’t know things were that deep,” Malachi admitted.
“What do you mean?” Andre asked.
“Last month, you said you weren’t cut out to be with just one girl. You said you were still trying to honor the deal you made with me, but other than a business relationship you had with her because of Aeikan’s Marketing you were going to leave the relationship alone. I said okay, just keep her close and make sure she’s good . If she ends up with someone else, so be it, just make sure he treats her right. Remember that conversation?” Malachi asked as he clenched his jaw.
“Yeah, I remember.” Andre closed his eyes. Truth is, he fell in love with Arianna and he wasn’t letting her go. He loved Malachi. He was his brother, but Arianna had his heart. Point blank. Despite the fact he planted the seed, at times Malachi seemed bothered that Andre was now with Arianna. Andre picked up that negative vibe on more than one visit every time Arianna’s name was mentioned. Last month’s visit was one of those times. Malachi seemed less than enthused when Andre exposed details of their upcoming vacation to Jamaica.
Arianna asked Andre if they can go there for her birthday and he willingly obliged. So needless to say, Andre told Malachi what he had to hear to make him feel better, which was he no longer wanted to be with Arianna. It seemed Malachi had a change of heart. Seeing the girl he loved with his brother was harder than he thought it would be. Once Andre told Malachi he no longer wanted to be with Arianna, he seemed calmer. Andre figured he would just go along with that for the time being, but when Arianna revealed to him she was three months pregnant with their child, Andre realized the truth was the only way to deal with this situation. Bottom line; he was never letting Arianna go.
Andre sighed as he opened his eyes and intensely stared at Malachi. “Look, Mal, let’s clear this up once and for all. Seven years ago you asked me to get close with Ri, to make her my girl so she would never be with anyone else who would possibly mistreat her. You begged me to do it even though I didn’t feel right doing it because I knew how you felt about her, but I did it so you wouldn’t be stressing in here. What can I say, I fell in love with her. How can I not fall in love with her? She’s beautiful, she’s sexy, she’s smart, she helps me with Ava. When my dad died I was lost. Here I was nineteen trying to raise a nine year old. When I discovered how much money my dad left for me and Ava, it was Arianna who convinced me to start Aeikan Marketing. She’s the brain behind it. She keeps me sane in a lot of ways. Now, I’m far from perfect, but I love her. I really do love her. I’m trying to love her the right way though. Right now I’m doing
things that can cause me to loose her. I won’t lie. I’m still struggling with a lot concerning her. Loving her is not easy because of what she’s been through but at the same time, loving her is easy because of who she is. I’m not sure if that makes any sense at all, but I’m telling you this shit man to man, brother to brother. I love you man, I do and I will always have your back, but I love Ri and I’m going to continue to be with her but not for the reason from seven years ago, but because I without a doubt really love her this time. So, we can now move forward with things being clear and out in the open. Are we cool?”
Malachi looked at Andre for what seemed like forever before he finally spoke.
“I respect that, bro. That’s all I can say for now, okay?” Malachi admitted as Andre nodded. “I have nothing else to say about it right now other than congratulations,” Malachi managed to smile as he held up his fist. Andre did the same as they quickly dapped before the Corrections Officer even noticed.
****
Malachi shook his head at the memory. Placing the picture back on the table, he sighed as he picked up another picture of Arianna in her wedding dress. He traced his finger across the picture as he admired how beautiful she looked in her off white, strapless Vera Wang dress with a hint of cleavage showing and an open back with thin, authentic, pearl straps criss crossing down to the waist of her back.
Malachi chuckled to himself as he remembered how crazy Andre was when she left him. He nearly lost his mind when Arianna caught him in his car sexing a girl name Febria, a ghetto hood rat who lived in a housing project in down town Elizabeth. Febria spent years doing any and every thing to win Andre’s heart but to no avail. All she was and ever will be to him was the neighborhood freak. Malachi found it humerous when he was told of the nonstop efforts Andre went through to gain Arianna’s forgiveness. After plenty of begging, three trips and gifts, a huge diamond engagement ring and a promise to attend counseling, he won his girl back. Four months later they were married on Arianna’s island choice of; Tahiti. Seven years later they were still married and seemed very much happy. He must say he did not recognize Andre at times. Arianna really did change him for the better.
Malachi wanted to be happy for his brother, he really did. He was trying really hard to do just that, but it’s a funny thing about the heart and what it wants.
“Mal, are you okay?” Rolonda stood in the doorway watching him. Malachi turned around as he smiled at her. Placing the picture back in its place on the table, Malachi turned his full attention to Rolonda. Reaching over he gave her a loving hug as he held her. Malachi was beyond ecstatic to be reunited with his mom after twenty years of separation.
“I love and missed you, mom, even though I saw you almost every day throughout the years.” Malachi said as he laughed.
“I love and miss you too, baby.” Rolonda said as she handed an envelope to Malachi. “Mal, this is the envelope Arianna gave to you at the dinner. You left it in the kitchen when we came home.”
“Thanks, mom,” Malachi takes the envelope as he examines it.
“Well, are you going to open it”?
“You just want to know what it is,” Malachi smiled.
“You damn right I do,” Rolonda laughed. Malachi laughed also as he tore the envelope open. Inside the envelope was a card that said welcome home with everyone’s signature on it, two keys, an access card, bank account information and statements.
Malachi looked up and smiled at Rolonda. “You knew with your sneaky self,”
Rolonda laughed. “Who, me?” She laughed again. “Okay, I knew. You know we were going to make sure you have everything you need when you came home.
Malachi looked around the house. “Dre did good. Have you living like a queen. I’m happy you were well taken care of, mom.”
“That boy is something else, he wouldn’t have it any other way,” Rolonda smiled.
“Now one of these keys is a key to your own office at Aeikan Marketing. He and Arianna want you to learn the business and work with them. This card is the access card to enter the building. The other key is the key to here. You can stay here or get your own home. Whatever you want to do is up to you. Also, the bank statements are all the accounts I opened for you. You have more than enough money to do whatever you want. We figured you would want to buy your own home and car instead of us having one ready for you.”
“Thanks mom.”
“Oh, one more thing, Malachi,” Rolonda touched Malachi’s face as she spoke. “When two people have unfinished business with each other, they tend to make rash decisions.” Rolonda kissed him on his cheek.
Malachi looked confused. “What does that mean?”
Rolonda walked towards the doorway. As she started to exi
t the room she turned and looked at Malachi. “It means, although the history between the three of you is a complicated one, nothing good will come out of lusting after your brother’s wife.”
Chapter Eight
Aeikan Sports & Marketing
“Good morning, Stacey,” Arianna greeted her secretary, Stacey Jenkins.
“Good morning, Mrs. Aeikan,” Stacey replied.
Arianna smiled at Stacey. She really liked her. After her last secretary married and moved out of state, Arianna was happy to find a reliable and smart secretary she could depend on.
“Listen, as soon as my ten-thirty appointment arrives, please offer him some coffee and call me right away. This contract is huge and I really want to reel it in.”
“Okay, Mrs. Aeikan, no problem.”
“Thanks, Stacey.” Arianna made her way to her office. As she opened her door and entered, she was immediately startled when Angeline walked out of her office bathroom.
“Girl, you scared the hell out of me,” Arianna held her chest.
“Why were you scared? Who the hell would be coming out of your bathroom besides Dre, or someone who has your office key, which is me,” Angeline held up her key. “How many other people have your office key?”
“Actually, it’s just you and Ava, besides Dre.” Arianna admitted as she sat her leather brief case on her mini sofa. “But, as I recalled, I gave you that key for emergencies only, not to be lurking in my bathroom scaring the daylight out of me,”
“Oh shut up, I wasn’t lurking. I came in early so we can go over the details of Dre’s surprise party, but I had to pee something serious. Now that’s an emergency.” Angeline confessed as she sat on the sofa.
“Uhh, there’s two bathrooms in the lobby and two upstairs.” Arianna smirked as she sat down.
“Oh shut up, I wanted to use your fancy ass bathroom, okay, and watch this sixty inch TV in here. I swear it looks more like an apartment in here than an actual office.”
Arianna laughed. “Whatever, now let’s see what you have for my baby’s birthday party. OMG I can’t wait. He’s going to be so surprised.” Arianna happily said.
Angeline laughed. “Cuz, you are truly sprung.”
“Excuse you?” Arianna laughed. “What’s that supposed to mean”?
Angeline opened up her brief case and pulled out a manila folder. Placing the manila folder on the wooden table, she opened it up and spread out the papers that were inside. “Uuhmm, this is what I mean. A three hundred and seventy five thousand dollars beach house, a twenty five thousand dollars motor cycle, and the party it self including my fee, averages out to about sixty-five hundred dollars. Mind you, the sixty–five hundred dollar rate is a discount I’m giving your ass because it’s suppose to be a lot more with the food, service and decorations you are requesting. Like I said, sprung.” Angeline leaned back, crossed her legs and laughed.
Arianna rolled her eyes as she also laughed while looking over the paperwork. “Whatever, I am not sprung.”
“Whatever you say. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with being sprung for your
husband. If you’re going to be sprung then dammit be sprung for the man whose last name you’re carrying. Besides, based on the stories you’ve told me about Dre, I can’t say I blame you.” Angeline grinned at Arianna.
Arianna looked up from the paperwork and covered her mouth as she laughed.
“See, now that’s why I can’t tell you anything.”
“What? Don’t worry, it’s between me and you. Plus, of all the females in the world, you know you can tell me anything about your man pertaining to sex and I would never be curious or let curiosity get the best of me. Our bond is like this.” Angeline crossed her index and middle fingers together.
“Yes. true, true. But anyway, he deserves it. He’s been a great husband, a great father and a great provider. Besides, he spoils me to death. So, I’m glad to do this. He’s been wanting this motorcycle and the beach house, I know he’s going to love it. It’s ours and it’s isolated; meaning we can go there and get as loud as we want.” Arianna said smiling.
“Oooh wee! Look at you! Miss freak a leak! Now that’s what I’m talking about!” Angeline yelled dramatically.
“Whatever”, Arianna shook her head and laughed.
“So, where exactly is this beach house and can I use it sometimes”?
“Well, first of all, the answer is no.”
“What! Why not?” Angeline asked in mocked shockery,
“Because, you need to get a man first, that’s why, and second, you can afford your own, you just cheap as hell.” Arianna said. “I signed all the paperwork and the real estate agent is bringing me the key this week. I’m going to decorate the kitchen, bathrooms, dining room, mine and Dre’s bedroom worry about the other bedrooms later on.”
“Yay, I can’t wait!” Angeline said excitedly.
“You are funny.” Arianna said as she placed the paperwork back inside the folder.
A light knock on the office door caused Arianna and Angeline to look at each other.
“Were you expecting someone”? Angeline asked.
Arianna stood up and made her way to the door. “Actually, I am. I have a ten-thirty appointment with a possible new client, but Stacey was supposed to call me when he got here, not just send him to my office.
“Uuuhh huuh, I say fire her. I don’t know what it is but there’s something about her I just don’t like. She seems sneaky.”
“Girl, shut up. You don’t like nobody.” Arianna opened the door. Her smile slowly faded as she looked at Malachi standing in the doorway. “Oh, hey. I mean good morning,” she looked at him nervously. Once again she couldn’t figure out for the life of her why she was so nervous around him.
“Good morning, Arianna” Malachi smiled at her.
Clearing her throat, she smiled also. “Is everything okay? Would you like to come in?” She stepped aside, making room for him to enter her office.
“Uhh… sure. I was looking for Dre’s office but I don’t see his name on any of the doors. Everyone’s name is on their door including yours but his isn’t.” Malachi made his way inside the office. Arianna studied him as he walked to the sofa where Angeline was seated. Wearing a crisp, white, dress shirt, grey slacks, a leather belt and the matching leather shoes, he looked both business like and casual. The stocky built he sported as a teenager was replaced with a toned, solid physique. He and Andre were truly brother’s from another mother. Besides having different features, they possessed the same poise of confidence and attitude. They walked as if they owned the whole damn world. They automatically clicked when they met at the age of seven and formed a bond that was like no other.
It was pretty awkward for Arianna at his dinner. Seeing him for the first time in twenty years reignited old feelings and painful memories she buried years ago. After that emotional revelation when she visited him in the Union County Jail, one month after he was incarcerated, she never saw him again. Her heart felt like it was shattered in a million pieces when Andre told her Malachi insisted that she never visit him again. It was very painful when he accepted eveyone’s visits including her mom’s but hers. After returning some of her letters and refusing her visits, she took it in stride and eventually suppressed the pain and moved on with her life.
“Hey, Angie,” Malachi greeted as he bent down and kissed her cheeks.
“Hey, Mal,” Angeline said as she explored him from head to toe. “You look like
you’ve adjusted to the outside world quite well. It doesn’t look like you ever left,” she glanced at Arianna.
Malachi laughed. “Thanks, I think…” he replied as they both laughed.
“Uuhmm, Malachi, is Dre expecting you?” Arianna asked.
“Yeah, he is. He wanted me to pick out an office and fill out some papers with Human Resources.” Malachi replied.
“Oh, okay. Well welcome aboard. Also, when you get a chance I wanted to show you a foundation I started several years ago. It’s for
young girls who have been a victim of abuse. It’s called the Candace James Foundation.”
Malachi eyes turned rather dark besides his sudden smile. His sister and results of her death was still a touchy subject for him, but it warmed his heart that Arianna was keeping her memory alive with a good cause.
“Wow. That’s great. That’s really great. My mom and Dre never mentioned this,”
“I think they didn’t want to mention it while you were still in there and plus they wanted it to be sort of a surprise.” Arianna said as she smiled.
“Oh, okay. Well I am surprised but I feel touched. I know my mom loves it,” Malachi said as he touched his chest.
“Yes, she does but she doesn’t like to come over to the office. It’s too emotional for her.” Arianna admitted.
“Where’s the office?” He asked.
“It’s at our old housing project. Dre and I renovated the entire project. We remodeled each apartment and each building. We set up top notch security and set up an after school program and tutors in each building. The foundation also consist of a help center for the girls to come to when in trouble or need to talk. We have professional and licensed therapists on site. We provide food and transportation for the kids who are less fortunate.” Arianna stated proudly.
“Damn, you and Dre doing real big things. That’s real cool.” Malachi eyed her.
Arianna started to get that nervous feeling again. Feeling as if the space between them was closing, so she stepped back a little. “So, uhhm… I’m going there on Wednesday morning, around nine. You are welcomed to meet me there and I will show you around. You can meet me at my office which is located on the first floor at my old building.”
“Wow, so that’s not emotional for you”? Malachi asked referring to her suicidal attempt in her old building.
Arianna smiled nervously. “It was for a long time before I started this foundation,
but now I’m fine. I made sure I was before I started this.”
